Backyard Gardening This Year: What I Planted and How It’s Going
This year, I decided to make the most of our backyard garden by planting a variety of summer vegetables. We took a break last couple of years due to wedding planning but now we are ready to tackle this fun hobby again. There’s just something incredibly satisfying about stepping outside and picking fresh produce for dinner.
What’s Growing in My Backyard Garden
Here’s what I’ve planted in our raised garden bed this year:
Zucchini – Always a high-yield favorite! I love how versatile zucchini is in the kitchen—from grilling to baking.
Yellow Squash – This pairs perfectly with zucchini and grows just as quickly.
Cherry Tomatoes – These little bursts of sweetness are perfect for snacking, salads, and roasting.
Celebrity Tomatoes – A dependable, flavorful tomato variety that’s great for slicing and sauces.
Cucumbers – Crisp and refreshing, especially for summer salads and pickling.
Jalapeños – Adding a little spice to our harvest! I’m excited to use these in salsas and marinades.
How I’m Caring for the Garden
Maintaining a healthy garden in the warmer months means staying consistent. I’ve been watering the plants as needed, typically early in the morning or late in the afternoon to prevent evaporation and reduce stress on the plants.
One thing I’ve had to stay on top of is the peppermint plant I left in the garden bed. Peppermint is known to spread quickly, so I’ve been trimming it back regularly to keep it from overtaking the other vegetables. (Note: If you’re planning to plant mint, it’s often best to keep it in a separate container!)
Backyard Gardening Tips for Beginners
If you’re just getting into home gardening, here are a few simple tips that have worked well for me:
Check soil moisture before watering. Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.
Prune tomato plants to encourage airflow and reduce the risk of disease. I did this for the first time this year and my tomato plants seem healthier than years pasts.
Harvest regularly. This keeps plants producing and prevents waste. We haven’t had anything to harvest yet but hoping in a few weeks maybe some zucchini.
Looking Ahead
As the season continues, I’m excited to see how much more the garden produces. I’m already planning ways to use up the inevitable abundance of squash and tomatoes. Maybe a few new recipes to try and preserve some of the harvest.
Gardening has become such a grounding and joyful part of my routine. Whether you're growing vegetables for the first time or looking to expand your backyard garden, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s a beautiful way to stay connected with nature, eat healthier, and enjoy the fruits (and veggies!) of your labor.
Check out my relaxing video of the process so far…
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